Update and MEXICO Mission Trip!

Long overdue update.....

Well, I have been back from Zambia for 2 months. After the first half of the summer, I knew that the Lord was calling me out of my position with Family Legacy Missions International. My heart is still very much in Zambia and tied to my boys, but I was not at peace staying with the organization. So, I put in my notice while I was still in Zambia during the 8th week of camp. After camp and cleanup (and yes Douglas had his cleft pallet surgery - it went well) I spent 2 weeks in Italy with a good friend. She was definitely a blessing from the Lord, as I got to process with her through the heartache and joy of my summer in Zambia.

When I arrived home, I enjoyed spending time with friends and family. (My nephews got HUGE over the summer.) I took alot of time to pray through where I felt the Lord leading me. He directed me to an organization called Youth Villages. I am back to my roots of counseling full time in completion of my hours for licensure. I work with 5 teenagers who are on juvenile probation and their families. It is very intensive therapy as I meet with each family 3 times a week in their homes (along with each kid's probation officer and school counselor). These kids are on probation for racking up multiple charges ranging from running away, drug use, assault, truancy, prostitution, gang association, and suicidal behavior. So, pray that the Lord would open their eyes and heart to the truth and that I would love them unconditionally. (Which I admit at times is challenging, but I know that loving difficult and hurting people is definitely my calling.)

AND.....I'm going on another mission trip ...... to MEXICO! NEXT WEEK!!!! This opportunity completely fell in my lap. A good friend of mine who is a fellow therapist and I were talking one day after I had gotten back from Zambia, and she presented me with this opportunity. I will be working alongside her and the directors of the organization. I got off the phone tonight with both Vicki and Sarah (one of the directors). The organization is called Good Samaritan Ministries. Anyway, my job will be to train and encourage the current staff in counseling and basically do some consulting on what needs to be done. The organization would like to start a parenting/process class/group therapy for unwed teen mothers in Mexico. So, I am in charge of looking at the information and training the staff, and just helping overall with trouble shooting. Alot of prayer is needed because the staff has been feeling very discouraged. I am looking forward to getting to know these individuals and their struggles in ministry and just praying with them........ I also get to visit the orphanage and pray and play and love on the kiddos - which is totally MY FAVORITE THING TO DO. I will also get to pray with some refugees. Apparently, there are many who are fleeing from different parts of Central and South America, and they are seeking asylum. My hope is just to hear there stories and encourage them with the Lord's love and truth.

So..........what do I need from you guys................Just PRAYER!!!!! I leave on Monday Nov 3rd and will be back on the 8th. I don't have alot of expectations other than to just let the Lord use me where HE will. I've learned that if you go into missions with just Hope in the LORD and ALOT of GRACE - you will fare alot better than if you were expecting alot from others and yourself. Actually, I don't even know what to expect since it is a completely different culture than Africa. But JESUS is JESUS - no matter what country you are in. With that being said I'm not even sure to tell you what to pray - other than to just pray as God leads you to. Pray for my "ministry' here counseling these difficult teens as well as my time in Mexico. Continue to pray for the children of Zambia - that they would be bold for Christ. (I know that the Lord is not finished with me there- I will be back.) ....Most importantly......just pray for my heart. That I would be obedient to do HIS will and experience HIS grace. And to just love others well....

In Christ,
Rachael

Out of Africa

It has been a while since I have posted......As I write this I am listening to the sounds of Florence (Italy) late at night. I have been out of Zambia for about a week, and will be in Italy for a little over another week. Many things have happened since my last post. I will say this - the Lord never stops surprising me. Whether it is good or bad - when it is for Him it is always good - it just takes a while to see it.

I miss my children with all of my heart. The last few weeks the Lord really taughtme alot. When I was in Rome this last week, I entered into St. Peters Basilica. It is beautiful with ornate statues and paintings by Michaelangelo.....And as I wandered around this world renound chapel - I thought back to my last Sunday in Zambia. I had the privledge to attend Destiny Church again in Matero. Church is led by Peter, my children's school director, and it is held in their tiny school that use to be a tavern. That Sunday, all of my boys from Destiny were there. We sang, and I remember looking around and my friend Stephie was on the floor crying and praising the Lord, I saw my boys who were dancing and singing and holding their hands high. I closed my eyes and thanked the Lord for blessing me with being in his presence with these amazing people as we worshipped together. I say that to say, I think it is humorous where the Lord shows up. His presence was so powerful in that tiny "tavern" tucked away in Matero in Zambia. When I walked through the Basilica - I expected that I would have a similar feeling, but nothing. I had respect for the beautiful building meant to bring glory to God - but what I know is the church is not a building. It's the Lord's people. We're breathing and moving and are not bound by concrete walls (sometimes walls we choose to make....) That is the body - that is the church. It is not a building no matter how big - it is the people - every tribe -every tongue. The Lord is funny that way and I will never fully understand his ways - but I know God shows up. He did all summer and is always present (even if behind the scenes). So maybe it is not where he shows up, but when He makes his presence known (and seen.) Continue to pray for me and my boys and the organization as I prepare to come home next week.

Love and Chanda!

So, this blog may be on the long side…… Today we took Joe Joe back to UTH to get another checkup. Brock and Megan are still going through the process of adoption – they have gotten the consent forms signed by Judith, Joe’s grandma, and are now awaiting for social welfares’ decision on their committal order to be processed. Realize how huge of a deal this is – Last year in Zambia there were only 20 adoptions – FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR. This baffles me because Zambia has the highest per capita orphan rate in the world. I am not saying that we should just hand a child over to any willing parent –but come on. Some interesting things I’ve learned through this whole process are – there are no set rules – every law is flexible in Zambia and everything takes time – VERY SLOW MOVING PROCESS. So, for the Birkenfelds to have accomplished everything that they have is only through the Lord. Please continue praying for them. Watching Joe bond with them has warmed my heart, and I am grateful to the Lord for this amazing couple who will raise Joe Joe.

So I have started thinking. I want to start a VCT clinic. For those of you unaware – this is HIV testing and counseling clinic – here in Zambia. These are kind of my ideas – I want there to be testing – which is free and readily available to all Zambians. I would like there to be better pre and post counseling. Having sat through this process -There was no pre counseling and ABSOLUTELY NO post counseling. I know they say they do this – but they do not. I would like for this clinic to focus not only on that (testing, pre and post counseling) but do AIDS education and awareness programs in the community schools and orphanages who we partner with for Camp LIFE. I would like for there to be trained educators and counselors who go to these schools and have a seminar for the caretakers on the importance of getting their children tested and the causes of HIV. (Also getting tested as caretakers.) The crazy thing is you have to have consent from a caretaker if you are under 18 to get tested even those some of these little girls are raped without choice. This brings me to another thought of counseling for sexual abuse victims and offenders that are here in Zambia. Having done both of these – I see such a need for this since there is such trauma that happens to these beautiful girls. Most of these girls live there lives never telling anyone about the trauma they go through. They need counsel and need the Lord during this time. Also there has to be more education and counseling for the offenders. They need to know the Lord, respect for Women, and grace. I know the task I am thinking about is large – and I know that you can not change a culture – I know that is not ethical. I just want services offered. The children also need to know about transmission of HIV and the importance of getting tested. You would think that people know but they do not. Weston and I had several of these talks with our boys about sex, HIV, pregnancy, abstinence, and protection. Let me tell you our boys did not know a lot and they had a lot of questions because they had a lot of misinformation. The talks were not comfortable (especially for me), but they are needed. At least my kids can not say that they are ignorant of the causes. I think opening a specific clinic on this is important – not just a general health clinic but one geared on HIV and testing and AIDS awareness and counseling. I know the language and cultural barriers. I know that there are other VCT clinic, but I have seen them and I just am baffled at one – the lack of empathy and education , and two – the lack of Christ centered counseling, and three – some sanitary issues at certain testing places. I just know there can be a better way of doing this. CHRIST centered being the key. I definitely do not have all the answers, but I have been talking to a lot of people – physicians and other agencies. There has to be more of an incentive to get tested since it is such a stigma – but somehow God has to override the stigma and fear of getting tested to get these people treated. I have thought a little on the logistics, and I am not sure about funding other than I know that you can receive national ARVs, and I know some American dollars go towards VCT in Africa. I know there needs to be a room for testing, waiting, counseling, education, and files. I know there needs to be a staff of doctors, counselors, educators, and office management, not to mention waste disposal and sanitary regulations. Somehow transportation to get tested or mobile testing at schools. (Partnering with the community schools and orphanages to educate and test.) This is of course non profit so donors – whether corporate or small. Anyway, I have just been praying about it and throwing the idea around in my head. Sometimes, when I have been running at night and talk to the Lord I will think at how amazing He could do this and then other times I get so beaten down at the logistics (and culture and enormity, etc.) I think there is no way possible, and then I get discouraged. But I know with the Lord all things are possible. So, I feel it is this cycle of a roller coaster that goes on in my brain daily. But I do know that the people who are crazy enough to think that they can help change the world – are usually the ones who do.

Another child of mine went to the doctor today – He is my little boy with a speech impediment and the looks of a cleft pallet who stuttered last year. Well, there is a speech pathologist who has been here for three weeks. Never did it occur to me to open his mouth and look at it. Oh, yeah he has a cleft pallet. It is a miracle this boy has even survived as long as he has. Most of these children are seen as a curse and they use to be thrown away (now there is a fine for that – praise Jesus!) – now they are just starved to death. Luckily, he has a family who loves him and did not do this , but his cleft pallet makes it extremely difficult for him to eat and I can understand when he talks but most others can’t. Anyway, we got him screened today for cleft pallet surgery. It is free – and it is scheduled for August 5. WE check him in on August 4 and he will stay over night for 3 days. I plan on staying with him since, his mother has many young children to care for. I can’t believe that my baby is going to be able to talk normally. Last year – I told him to pray and believe that God would use him.

.Often times I feel like a mother – taking children to the clinic- talking to many doctors, going to the schools, playing with them, praying over them, being concerned – ALL THE TIME, etc.. It is not overwhelming -just it can be amazingly tiring. So – here is a thank you to all the mothers out there. You have an incredibly hard job – and little recognition is given. SO – thank you.

The final note – I went to Buseko market the other day where some of my boys from Destiny lived. I was truly humbled by what I saw. My boys live in house made of plastic tarps tied to wood beams (think glad plastic bags tied to rotten wood.) It is dirty and smoky and there are tons of fires, the water is unsanitary, and most of my boys have a common case of dysentery and worms. I wanted to open my mouth at how horrible this was- even for AFRICA- but I just plastered a big smile on my face, as my boys proudly escorted me through the plastic streets where there truly is no name. Despite their grueling circumstances – they have hope – it is real. So is their joy. I see it in their eyes. I know they have a future and plans that the Lord has designed for them. I don’t always get life and get why certain things happen to other people who don’t deserve them – but I think I’m starting to get love. My boys have this - they choose this. They know they are loved by the Lord and they know I love them so much I can’t stand it. Love is being selfless -putting other before yourself. Just like Christ did for us not only in his death but throughout his life. I see my boys do this as they share a meal between 11 of them. I see them help one another. I see them rally for each other. So, I just want to challenge you to live beyond yourself, and to start really loving others WELL. Give to the less fortunate - I promise the Lord will repay you in Joy. The same Lord who blesses us WAY TOO abundantly in the states is the same Lord who pours out His spirit here in Africa. Remember what Jesus said - the greatest of all the commandments is to Love the Lord your God with EVERYTHING and to LOVE others!!!!

Funny Things that Happen in Africa.

When you use the toilets in the office you have to pour water in the toilets to flush them. Toilets do not automatically flush here. Sometimes they need a little help.

We stick forks in electrical sockets to make them work. (Yes, opposite of what your momma told you.)

You take showers in the bathtub standing up without a curtain, so, sometimes water gets on the floor. Sometimes the hose does not reach when you stand up and you have to sit and shower.

We break out in random dance parties everywhere. On the street, in the immigration office, at local restaurants, at the FLMZ office, and always in villa 57. The summer theme song has been Low.

We try to talk in a Zambian English accent, and it usually sounds more like an Asian accent.

Coffee is very deceptive. When it is light brown it is usually strong, and when it is black it rips your stomach up. Sometimes when your water heater is broken you boil water on the stove. (We drink instant coffee here - Ricoffy.)

The Internet is painfully slow – similar to dial up. So, uploading things is very impossible.

Not only do we dance everywhere, but also we sing everywhere. We usually sing in Nyanja, and sometimes I do not know all the words so, I pretend I know them, and then I’ll make them up.

Sometimes the electricity goes out in Zambia at random times. It may be out for hours with no indication of when it will come on again. So, you get use to the dark.

I like to watch the Zambian children jump off the bus when they are at camp. There will be a group of them, and then they spot their American and Zambian camp counselors and they will take off after them in a full sprint. They usually then dogpile their counselors. It's like watching a pack of hyennas attack a wilda beast - it makes me laugh.

Often it feels like college life in that there are sometimes 8 to 12 girls that live in your house, and you share a bathroom with four of them and a room with at least one of them. (I don’t get a lot of alone time here, but the community is AMAZING!) I laugh all the time when I'm not crying, and then I'll usually start laughing again.

We taught some of the Zambian staff how to two-step and jitterbug. And the two-stepping was RID-IC-U-LOUS. Zambians have rhythm but, even in Africa - guys step on your toes.

You have to look both ways when crossing the street – literally, because sometimes you forget if you’re in Africa or America and you have to reverse your directions or you’ll get run over.

We get honked at constantly and yelled at “Muzungu – Marry Me!” Why are there not American guys this bold? ;)

I like to watch the grown men (the 50 yr old crowd) dance with their grown boys at camp. I laugh as they start dancing and prancing around in a circle like they were 20. Sometimes Jesus makes us look like fools -but it sure is good entertainment.

Even in Africa there are crazy kids- not demonic – just crazy. There was one kid named Junior who is 5, and he punched and kicked Teddy and tried to bite Pastor Raphael. They just both looked at each other and said, “ This kid is crazy.” He would look at Kasey, and mimic her and say, “No fighting”, and then he would go and pummel some kid.

All the Zambian children are obsessed with the wrestler John Cena. They often say, “Satan – you can’t see me!” As they say this, they wave their hand in front of their face and then hold up their hand and shout, “The Lord is MY SHEPHERD.”

There is this orphan named Paul, who has been at camp almost every day since we have arrived. He assists us in various things, and generally just makes us laugh. His school has not even come through camp yet, but he has already received his “blessings” from the Lord. He is the Zambian version of Dennis the Menace.

Zambians call flip flops - tropicals. And when they say the – it sounds like da. And they add the ee sound to the end of many words. For instance light is lightie.

There is a strong presence of marijuana here at Mulungushi – every night. Apparently people can smoke pot in their house here, and this odor lingers outside. This odor comes from the other Gushi residents or at least I’m hoping it is not from the Camp LIFERS. If it is then it gives the PSALMS – He makes me lie down in green grass, restoring my soul – a whole new meaning.

Pray for the Birkenfelds!

Please pray that the Zambian government will give Brock and Megan Birkenfeld the comittal order to foster and then adopt Joe. This will be happening Friday morning at 8 am here so, around 1 in the morning in the states. So, please just pray that the Lord's will would prevail. I am confident that the Lord will have His way in this. Pray for Joe and his grandmother. Pray for the Lord's peace to cover each individual that is involved in this process, and pray for protection. Pray for the Holy Spirit to proceed before everything and everyone that is involved tomorrow. I know the Lord has special plans for baby Joe, and He has started a good work in him. Pray continuously!!!

The Good Samaritan and (maybe) a New Home for Joe!

The Lord answers prayers. This is totally the story of the Good Samaritan. Two of my boys – Luck and Levi – have a little brother name Lewis. Lewis is 6 and this was his first year at Camp LIFE. Lewis was in Michael's group – well at the end of the day - Lewis actually got on the wrong bus. He got on the bus going to Tithandizane Overspill. (Which would be like going to Denton when your school is in Oak Cliff.) So – he went missing Monday evening. Teddy and Mutale went looking for him at about 10 at night in Kenyama. This is a horrible compound and not safe at all. WE prayed for him that night and all the next day. Poor Lucky was just a mess. Weston and I tried counseling him and telling him that this was not his fault. I fell that he felt some responsibility being the oldest. This just broke my heart for my boy. Not to mention that I was a wreck trying to think how we could find Lewis. All this time – we went to police stations -which are corrupt in Zambia – we even went to the tv station knowing most people don't have t.v.'s and reported him. Most of you know that the first 24 hours are critical to finding a missing child. Well, 24 hours went and passed – We were going into the 36 hour mark. The Lord was working though......

So, Lewis started walking by himself at night as a little boy from Tithandizane. I won't even tell you what they do and how they use children here in witchcraft that go missing. Anyway - a woman picked him up. She fed him and let him sleep on a mattress. She kept him the next day and fed him and Lewis did not say anything and could not tell her his name. (He's very shy.) Well, later that night she saw the broad cast on the tv about the missing child - Praise God she had a t.v. She saw that a little boy was missing - so, the first thing the next morning was she brought him to the Kenyama police. The crazy thing was I had been up the entire night before almost talking to Raphael about offering a reward to anyone who found him and having the kids do a search party in Kenyama when they did evangelism in their community.

Well that morning I took baby Joe to the hospital for his second check up. I was praying for Lewis and then I just knew the Lord would find him and then Raphael called me to tell me he had been found - Well the most AMAZING thing was minutes before we found Lewis - Greer had all 1750 children at Camp LIFE and all 155 Americans and 300 Zambian Counselors raise their hands to God during the freedom song and pray for Lewis. The Americans were saying it was the most awesome thing. Raphael went on stage later to tell the children that Lewis had been returned safely. Lucky burst into tears. You do not understand the emotional and faith impact that it had on these children and on my children - my boys especially. Lucky was so relieved and full of joy. Pascal- told me that God does answer when you truly believe. I still am so amazed and know that it was only the Lord who returned this precious boy. He is so amazing and I am in awe of HIM. He deserves - all the honor and praise. What Satan tends for bad - God deems for good. It certainly reaffirmed my faith.

Baby Joe - well, We went for his check up. I was feeding him applesauce. He was just laughing - having a great time. We go back to the doctor in 2 weeks . We talked to his grandmother Saturday about his results and about treatment and health and nutrition . Her prayer request was that someone would take Joe – She has no income and raises 5 of her grandchildren – all orphans. They do not have enough to sustain themselves. SO – God began working in the hearts of Megan and Brock . They have completed there home study and fostering program in the states. They want to adopt and care for Joe. They met with the adoption worker on Sunday and tonight they are meeting with a social welfare judge. Please pray for them as they start this complicated process. Pray for Joe, his family, for Brock and Megan, for the social welfare and adoption system here. This would be such a wonderful blessing for my baby. They are an amazing couple who love the Lord and I know in my heart they will provide a good home for him. Just pray for the Lord to prevail. It would be wonderful if they could take him home before Christmas. Pray for this situation.

I love it here- and feel home with my boys and the Zambians and the Americans here. I went to Wiso's school - Destiny on Friday. He was so funny. He told me - I love you TOO much. I told him - I love you too much - It hurts me at times. He asked Weston why couldn't I be his mother. That of course broke my heart. Weston tried to explain the concept of me being his spiritual mother. He said he understood – but he still wanted me to be his mom. This makes me ache. I love him TOO much. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement – They are much needed. This is week 4 of camp and then we have a break then 4 more weeks! Love Ya'll!

With a Heavy Heart.

I'm writing tonight with a very heavy heart. Baby Joe is my little one-My mother is his sponsor. I love this wee one with all of my heart. Many of you might remember that this is the little boy who had his foot healed last year at Camp. He was the little one who had a bone growing outside of his foot. We had surgery to remove the bone and 3 days later – he was dancing. He is so precious to me. We decided to take Joe to the clinic this morning during the afternoon of Camp. I just felt the Lord pressing me to take him today. Sitting in that waiting room waiting for our name to be called felt like death. I looked at the lifeless faces around me and then I looked at my wee one just smiling away – sitting in my lap playing with my hair. The doctor called our name and we went inside the room. They told me he was sick. The doctor talked a little bit about what the next step was and I can tell you that my mind was swimming. When we got back to camp, I sent Joe back to the boys and grabbed Weston and just cried and cried.

I know that Joe knows the Lord, and I know that they are doing some great things with treatment. But this is my baby, and I am so angry. He is 5 and he does not deserve this. My heart is just breaking. I know in my head that the Lord is in control – and I know in my heart – It is just getting the 2 to talk to one another. Please pray for complete healing for my baby. Our Lord is the Lord of miracles and I know that He can raise the dead and heal the sick. Just pray for a miracle for my baby Joe. I believe – I just pray that the Lord helps me with my unbelief.